Single and multi-objective optimization of distributed acoustic sensing cable layouts for geophysical applications

SUMMARY We present a systematic approach to optimize distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) fibre-optic cable layouts using global optimization techniques. Our method represents cable geometries using splines, enabling efficient exploration of layouts while respecting physical deployment constraints. The use of evolutionary algorithms enables single and multi-objective optimization, taking into account complex design constraints such as terrain, accessibility, exclusion zones, cable length and coupling-related or local site effects, while allowing efficient parallelization of the optimization process. We demonstrate the approach on a real-world case study, optimizing the layout of a DAS cable for monitoring slope stability in the Cuolm da Vi area of Switzerland. We adapt design criteria for seismic source location problems, and for ambient noise surface wave tomography, to account for the unique characteristics of DAS, such as directional sensitivity patterns. The results show significant potential for improvements in source location accuracy and surface wave tomographic resolution by optimizing cable layouts, highlighting the potential of this approach for optimizing DAS deployments in various geophysical applications.